Lysozyme is an enzyme that kills bacteria by what mechanism?

Lysozyme is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the immune defense by lysing bacterial cells. It accomplishes this by breaking down the peptidoglycan layer of the bacterial cell wall, which is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of the bacteria. When lysozyme cleaves the bonds in this layer, it leads to the weakening and subsequent lysis, or bursting, of the bacterial cell, effectively killing it.

This mechanism is particularly effective against Gram-positive bacteria, which have a thick peptidoglycan layer. By disrupting the cell wall, lysozyme facilitates the destruction of bacteria, thereby contributing to the body's defense against infections. This action underscores why the option related to lysing the walls of bacteria correctly identifies the function of lysozyme in the immune response.